Which term refers to the processes used for collecting and obtaining data?

The term that accurately refers to the processes used for collecting and obtaining data is "Data Acquisition." This concept encompasses a variety of methods and practices aimed at gathering data from various sources, whether they are remote sensing technologies, field surveys, or existing databases. Data acquisition is fundamental in fields such as geospatial analysis, where the quality and accuracy of the data collected can influence the outcomes of any analysis or model derived from it.

In this context, "Data Acquisition" emphasizes not just the act of collecting data, but also the systematic approach involved in ensuring that the data gathered is relevant and useful for subsequent processing and analysis. It covers the entire spectrum from initial data sourcing to the methods employed to ensure the data is captured correctly.

The other terms, while related, do not specifically encapsulate the broad and systematic nature of acquiring data as it pertains to geospatial science and other quantitative fields. "Information Gathering" might suggest a more general or qualitative approach rather than focusing specifically on the quantitative acquisition of data. "Data Collection Techniques" suggests a narrower focus on the specific methods used, while "Evidence Collection" may imply a legal or investigative context, which does not fully capture the broader processes involved in data acquisition within a GIS context.